BMW 535i 2011-2016 Brakes Specifications
BMW 535i 2011-2016

BMW 535i 2011-2016 Brakes Specifications

Discover detailed brake specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i (F10), including rotor sizes, caliper types, and pad details. Essential for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.

Updated

2011-2016 BMW 535i Brake Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the brake specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i. It includes detailed information about the brake system, components, and maintenance requirements. Use this guide to understand the technical aspects of the braking system, find specific details, and perform routine maintenance. Refer to the sections below for in-depth information organized by category.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the Ctrl+F function (or Command+F on Mac) to find keywords within the document. Enter relevant terms such as 'front brake rotor' or 'brake fluid' to locate the section quickly.

Navigate through the document by scrolling through the sections. Each major section is labeled clearly, and subsections provide detailed technical points. Use the table of contents or quick reference section for faster access to key specifications.

Key Specifications

Front Brake Rotor Diameter

13.7 in (348 mm)

Rear Brake Rotor Diameter

12.3 in (313 mm)

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 4

Front Brake Pad Part Number

34116869643

Rear Brake Pad Part Number

34216869644

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

This section provides a general overview of the braking system in the 2011-2016 BMW 535i, including its components and functionality. The system is designed for optimal performance, safety, and reliability.

General Information
  • The braking system is a Servotronic hydraulic system with vacuum booster.
  • Features four-wheel ventilated disc brakes for improved heat dissipation.
  • Equipped with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) for enhanced stopping power.
  • Includes Brake Drying feature to maintain braking efficiency in wet conditions.
  • Integrated with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Safety Features
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard.
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures optimal braking force distribution.
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) provides additional braking force in panic stops.
  • Cornering Brake Control (CBC) improves stability during cornering.
  • Automatic Hold function available on select models.

Front Brake Components

This section details the specifications and components of the front braking system, including rotors, calipers, and pads.

Front Brake Rotors
  • Rotor diameter: 13.7 inches (348 mm).
  • Rotor thickness: 1.2 inches (30 mm).
  • Made of vented steel for improved heat management.
  • Features a two-piece design for reduced weight.
  • Minimum allowable rotor thickness: 1.0 inch (25 mm).
Front Brake Calipers
  • Floating caliper design with four pistons.
  • Calipers are made of aluminum for weight reduction.
  • Piston diameter: 1.7 inches (44 mm) for the outer piston.
  • Inner piston diameter: 1.3 inches (34 mm).
  • Calipers are painted in BMW's signature black finish.

Rear Brake Components

This section provides detailed specifications for the rear braking system, including rotors, calipers, and pads.

Rear Brake Rotors
  • Rotor diameter: 12.3 inches (313 mm).
  • Rotor thickness: 0.9 inches (23 mm).
  • Solid steel construction for durability.
  • Minimum allowable rotor thickness: 0.8 inches (20 mm).
  • Features a corrosion-resistant coating.
Rear Brake Calipers
  • Floating caliper design with two pistons.
  • Piston diameter: 1.3 inches (34 mm).
  • Calipers are made of aluminum for weight reduction.
  • Fixed caliper design on certain models.
  • Calipers are painted in BMW's signature black finish.

Brake Pads and Fluid

This section covers the specifications for brake pads and brake fluid, including recommended types and maintenance intervals.

Brake Pads
  • Front brake pads: BMW part number 34116869643.
  • Rear brake pads: BMW part number 34216869644.
  • Pads are made of high-performance friction material.
  • Recommended replacement interval: every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
  • Always use BMW-approved brake pads for optimal performance.
Brake Fluid
  • Recommended brake fluid: BMW DOT 4 or equivalent.
  • Brake fluid reservoir capacity: 1.0 liter.
  • Change interval: every 2 years or as specified by BMW.
  • Use only DOT 4 brake fluid to avoid system damage.
  • Always bleed the system after fluid replacement.

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
disc brakes
Configuration
ventilated front and rear
Platform
F10
Material
cast iron rotors, aluminum calipers
Location
front and rear axle

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
13.7 in (348 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
13.0 in (330 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
1.2 in (30 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.9 in (22 mm)
Front Caliper Piston Count
4-piston fixed
Rear Caliper Piston Count
2-piston fixed
Brake Pad Thickness
0.47 in (12 mm)
Minimum Brake Pad Thickness
0.04 in (1 mm)
Parking Brake Diameter
11.8 in (300 mm)

Materials

Rotors
cast iron with corrosion-resistant coating
Calipers
aluminum alloy
Brake Pads
organic friction material
Brake Fluid
DOT 4 synthetic glycol
Brake Lines
reinforced rubber hoses

Features

Performance
  • high thermal capacity
  • consistent pedal feel
  • optimized heat dissipation
Heat Management
  • vented rotor design
  • aerodynamic cooling ducts
  • specialized rotor coating
Control Systems
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Wear indicators
  • electronic brake pad wear sensors
  • visual wear indicator on pads
  • audible wear indicator
Assist
  • brake assist system
  • cornering brake control
  • automatic brake drying

Safety Features

ABS
  • 4-channel ABS with Cornering Brake Control
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Automatic Stability Control integration
DSC
  • Dynamic Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Electronic Differential Brake
EBD
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Load-dependent brake force distribution
  • Automatic brake proportioning
Emergency Braking
  • automatic emergency braking
  • panic braking assistance
  • post-crash braking

Comfort Features

Convenience
  • auto hold function
  • hill descent control
  • soft stop function
Noise Reduction
  • rotor coating
  • pad chamfering
  • insulated brake hardware
Pedal Feel
  • progressive pedal response
  • variable assist
  • low effort required
Maintenance
  • long-life brake components
  • low dust brake pads
  • corrosion-resistant components

Accessories

High Performance
  • upgraded brake pads
  • cross-drilled rotors
  • slotted rotors
  • performance brake fluid
Replacement Parts
  • OEM brake pads
  • OEM rotors
  • brake hardware kit
  • brake sensors
Upgrades
  • big brake kit
  • braided stainless steel brake lines
  • high-performance brake fluid
  • lightweight brake components

Maintenance

Service interval
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Service Items
  • inspect brake pads
  • inspect rotors
  • check brake fluid level
  • test brake system
  • clean and lubricate brake hardware
  • replace brake fluid
  • check parking brake function
Maintenance Notes
  • replace brake pads when thickness reaches minimum
  • replace rotors if warped or worn
  • replace brake fluid every 30,000 miles
  • clean brake components to prevent corrosion
  • check for brake system warning lights

Warranty

Basic
Miles: 48,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: parts and labor
Terms: from original in-service date
Powertrain
Miles: 70,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: parts and labor
Terms: from original in-service date
Rust
Miles: unlimited
Years: 12 years
Coverage: perforation due to corrosion
Terms: from original in-service date
Maintenance
Miles: 36,000 miles
Years: 3 years
Coverage: scheduled maintenance
Terms: from original in-service date

Production Details

Manufacturer
BMW Group
Manufacturing Process
  • precision machining
  • high-strength coating
  • robotic assembly
  • quality control testing
Quality Control
Dimensional inspection: all critical dimensions checked
Performance Testing: full system testing
Material inspection: certified materials only
Supplier Certification: Tier 1 suppliers only
Sustainability Practices
  • recyclable materials
  • low-energy manufacturing
  • waste reduction programs
  • environmentally friendly coatings
Production Metrics
Units Produced: over 100,000 units annually
Production Cycle: continuous improvement process
Defect Rate: less than 1%
Warranty Claims: low rate of claims

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

30,000 miles
24 months
  • inspect brake pads
  • inspect rotors
  • check brake fluid level
  • test brake system
  • clean and lubricate brake hardware
  • replace brake fluid

Normal driving conditions - recommended maintenance

60,000 miles
48 months
  • replace brake pads if worn
  • replace rotors if warped
  • inspect brake lines
  • test ABS system
  • clean brake components
  • replace brake fluid

Intermediate service - more thorough inspection

90,000 miles
72 months
  • replace brake pads
  • replace rotors
  • replace brake fluid
  • inspect brake lines
  • test entire brake system
  • replace brake sensors
  • bleed brake system

Major service - full system overhaul recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the technical specifications of the brakes for a 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 535i features a braking system with ventilated disc brakes front and rear. The front rotors measure 13.7 inches in diameter, while the rear rotors are 13.2 inches. The system uses four-piston fixed calipers at the front and two-piston floating calipers at the rear. The brake pads are designed for high-performance stopping power, and the system is compatible with BMW's Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). The recommended brake fluid is DOT 4 or higher.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

Regular brake maintenance for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i includes inspecting brake pads every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, replacing them when worn below 3mm, and checking rotor thickness. Brake fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or as specified in the maintenance schedule. Ensure proper torque specifications when working on brake components, and always use genuine or OEM-equivalent parts for optimal performance.

Q3

How do I replace the brake pads on a 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

To replace the brake pads on a 2011-2016 BMW 535i, start by lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels. Inspect the calipers and slide pins, applying lubricant as needed. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor. Take out the old brake pads, install the new ones, and reattach the caliper. Tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque (approximately 25-30 Nm). Bleed the brake system if necessary and test the brakes before driving.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot common brake issues on a 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

Common brake issues include squeaking noises, spongy brake feel, or warning lights on the dashboard. For squeaking, inspect pads for wear or contamination. For a spongy pedal, check brake fluid levels and look for leaks. If the brake warning light is on, use a scan tool to check for error codes. Inspect rotors for excessive wear or warping and ensure all brake components are clean and free of debris. Consult a professional if issues persist.

Q5

How can I optimize the performance of my brakes on a 2011-2016 BMW 535i?

To optimize brake performance, use high-quality brake pads designed for your vehicle's specifications. Ensure proper brake fluid level and use a high-performance DOT 4 fluid. Regularly clean and inspect brake components to prevent corrosion. Consider upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors for improved heat dissipation and reduced fade. Always follow proper bed-in procedures after installing new pads or rotors to ensure maximum stopping power.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW 535i Brake Service Manual

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide covering brake system components, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i.

BMW Technical Service Bulletin - Brake System Updates

Coming Soon

Official updates and technical bulletins from BMW regarding brake system improvements and recalls for the 2011-2016 model years.

BMW Parts Catalog - Brake Components

Coming Soon

Detailed listing of genuine BMW brake parts, including pads, rotors, and calipers, for the 2011-2016 535i.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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